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Chin ARO, Guzmán-Delgado P, Görlich A, HilleRisLambers J. Towards multivariate functional trait syndromes: Predicting foliar water uptake in trees. Ecology 2023; 104:e4112. [PMID: 37252804 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of functional traits is a cornerstone of ecology, yet individual traits seldom explain useful amounts of variation in species distribution or climatic tolerance, and their functional significance is rarely validated experimentally. Multivariate suites of interacting traits could build an understanding of ecological processes and improve our ability to make sound predictions of species success in our rapidly changing world. We use foliar water uptake capacity as a case study because it is increasingly considered to be a key functional trait in plant ecology due to its importance for stress-tolerance physiology. However, the traits behind the trait, that is, the features of leaves that determine variation in foliar water uptake rates, have not been assembled into a widely applicable framework for uptake prediction. Focusing on trees, we investigated relationships among 25 structural traits, leaf osmotic potential (a source of free energy to draw water into leaves), and foliar water uptake in 10 diverse angiosperm and conifer species. We identified consistent, multitrait "uptake syndromes" for both angiosperm and conifer trees, with differences in key traits revealing suspected differences in the water entry route between these two clades and an evolutionarily significant divergence in the function of homologous structures. A literature review of uptake-associated functional traits, which largely documents similar univariate relationships, provides additional support for our proposed "uptake syndrome." Importantly, more than half of shared traits had opposite-direction influences on the capacity of leaves to absorb water in angiosperms and conifers. Taxonomically targeted multivariate trait syndromes provide a useful tool for trait selection in ecological research, while highlighting the importance of micro-traits and the physiological verification of their function for advancing trait-based ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana R O Chin
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH-Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paula Guzmán-Delgado
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anna Görlich
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH-Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Bei Z, Zhang X, Tian X. The Mechanism by Which Umbrella-Shaped Ratchet Trichomes on the Elaeagnus angustifolia Leaf Surface Collect Water and Reflect Light. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1024. [PMID: 37508453 PMCID: PMC10376016 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Leaves are essential for plants, enabling photosynthesis and transpiration. In arid regions, water availability limits plant growth. Some plants, like Elaeagnus angustifolia, a sandy sub-tree species widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, have unique leaf structures to reduce water loss and solar radiation. Here, we describe the leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia L., with special functioning trichomes. Through leaf submicroscopic structure observation, in situ water collection experiments, photosynthesis measurements, and reflection spectrum analysis, we investigated E. angustifolia leaves, focusing on their functioning trichomes. These trichomes capture water vapor, reflect UV and NIR light, and possess a 3D interface structure composed of 1D and 2D structures. The 1D conical structure captures water droplets, which are then gathered by the radial conical structure and guided towards the stomata through wedge-shaped grooves on the 2D umbrella structure. The trichomes also reflect sunlight, with micropapillae reflecting UV light and the umbrella structure reflecting NIR light. These mechanisms reduce leaf temperature, respiration, and water transpiration, protecting against solar radiation damage. This study provides insights into water collection and light-reflection mechanisms, revealing adaptive strategies of plants with large leaves in arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanlin Bei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Xingjun Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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3
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Roth-Nebelsick A, Hacke UG, Voigt D, Schreiber SG, Krause M. Foliar water uptake in Pinus species depends on needle age and stomatal wax structures. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:287-300. [PMID: 36420705 PMCID: PMC9992939 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Foliar water uptake (FWU) has been documented in many species and is increasingly recognized as a non-trivial factor in plant-water relationships. However, it remains unknown whether FWU is a widespread phenomenon in Pinus species, and how it may relate to needle traits such as the form and structure of stomatal wax plugs. In this contribution, these questions were addressed by studying FWU in current-year and 1-year-old needles of seven Pinus species. METHODS We monitored FWU gravimetrically and analysed the needle surface via cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we considered the effect of artificial wax erosion by application of the surfactant Triton X-100, which is able to alter wax crystals. KEY RESULTS The results show for all species that (1) FWU occurred, (2) FWU is higher in old needles compared to young needles and (3) there is substantial erosion of stomatal wax plugs in old needles. FWU was highest in Pinus canariensis, which has a thin stomatal wax plug. Surfactant treatment enhanced FWU. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide evidence for (1) widespread FWU in Pinus, (2) the influence of stomatal wax plugs on FWU and (3) age-related needle surface erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uwe G Hacke
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Dagmar Voigt
- Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan G Schreiber
- EnviroStats Solutions Inc., 4715 117A ST NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 3R9, Canada
| | - Matthias Krause
- State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
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Wang H, Li Z, Ji S, Lv G. Response of water and photosynthetic physiological characteristics to leaf humidification in Calligonum ebinuricum. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285130. [PMID: 37141258 PMCID: PMC10159122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Foliar water uptake (FWU) has increasingly been regarded as a common approach for plants to obtain water under water-limited conditions. At present, the research on FWU has mostly focused on short-term experiments; the long-term FWU plant response remains unclear; Methods: Through a field in-situ humidification control experiment, the leaves of Calligonum ebinuricum N. A. Ivanova ex Soskov were humidified, and the changes of leaf water potential, gas exchange parameters and fluorescence physiological parameters of plants after long-term and short-term FWU were discussed; The main results were as follows: (1) After short-term humidification, the water potential of Calligonum ebinuricum decreased, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased, and the plant produced photoinhibition phenomenon, indicating that short-term FWU could not alleviate drought stress. (2) After long-term humidification, the leaf water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence parameter and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) increased significantly. That is to say, after long-term FWU, the improvement of plant water status promoted the occurrence of light reaction and carbon reaction, and then increased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn); Therefore, long-term FWU is of great significance to alleviate drought stress and promote Calligonum ebinuricum growth. This study will be helpful to deepen our understanding of the drought-tolerant survival mechanism of plants in arid areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wang
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhoukang Li
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Suwan Ji
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guanghui Lv
- College of Ecology and the Environmental, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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Lakra K, Avishek K. A review on factors influencing fog formation, classification, forecasting, detection and impacts. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2022; 33:319-353. [PMID: 35309246 PMCID: PMC8918085 DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the changing climate and environment, the nature of fog has also changed and because of its impact on humans and other systems, study of fog becomes essential. Hence, the study of its controlling factors such as the characteristics of condensation nuclei, microphysics, air–surface interaction, moisture, heat fluxes and synoptic conditions also become crucial, along with research in the field of prediction and detection. The current review expands for the period between 1976 to 2021, however, especially focused on the research articles published in the last two decades. It considers 250 research papers/research letters, 24 review papers, four book chapters/manuals, five news articles, 15 reports, six conference papers and five other online readings. This review is a compilation of the pros and cons of the techniques used to determine the factors influencing fog formation, its classification, tools and techniques available for its detection and forecast. Some recent advanced are also discussed in this review: role of soil properties on fogs, application of microwave communication links in the detection of fog, new class of smog, and how the cognitive abilities of humans are affected by fog. Recently India and China are facing an emergence and repetitions of fog haze/smog and thus their policies initiatives are also briefly discussed. It is concluded that the complexity in fog forecasting is high due to multiple factors playing a role at multiple levels. Most of the researchers have worked upon the role of humidity, temperature, wind, and boundary layer to predict fogs. However, the role of global wind circulations, soil properties, and anthropogenic heat requires further investigations. Literature shows that fog is being harnessed to address water insecurity in various countries, however, coastal areas of Angola, Namibia and South Africa, Kenya, Eastern Yemen, Oman, China, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, along with the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, are some of the potential sites that can benefit from the installation of fog water harvesting systems.
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Schreel JDM, Brodersen C, De Schryver T, Dierick M, Rubinstein A, Dewettinck K, Boone MN, Van Hoorebeke L, Steppe K. Foliar water uptake does not contribute to embolism repair in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:555-566. [PMID: 35141741 PMCID: PMC9007097 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Foliar water uptake has recently been suggested as a possible mechanism for the restoration of hydraulically dysfunctional xylem vessels. In this paper we used a combination of ecophysiological measurements, X-ray microcomputed tomography and cryo-scanning electron microscopy during a drought treatment to fully evaluate this hypothesis. KEY RESULTS Based on an assessment of these methods in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings we were able to (1) confirm an increase in the amount of hydraulically redistributed water absorbed by leaves when the soil water potential decreased, and (2) locate this redistributed water in hydraulically active vessels in the stem. However, (3) no embolism repair was observed irrespective of the organ under investigation (i.e. stem, petiole or leaf) or the intensity of drought. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide evidence for a hydraulic pathway from the leaf surface to the stem xylem following a water potential gradient, but this pathway exists only in functional vessels and does not play a role in embolism repair for beech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen D M Schreel
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
| | - Craig Brodersen
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thomas De Schryver
- UGent Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT) – Radiation Physics Group, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Manuel Dierick
- UGent Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT) – Radiation Physics Group, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Koen Dewettinck
- Food Structure & Function Research Group, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Matthieu N Boone
- UGent Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT) – Radiation Physics Group, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Luc Van Hoorebeke
- UGent Centre for X-ray Tomography (UGCT) – Radiation Physics Group, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Kathy Steppe
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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Chin ARO, Guzmán‐Delgado P, Sillett SC, Orozco J, Kramer RD, Kerhoulas LP, Moore ZJ, Reed M, Zwieniecki MA. Shoot dimorphism enables Sequoia sempervirens to separate requirements for foliar water uptake and photosynthesis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:564-579. [PMID: 35274309 PMCID: PMC9322557 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Trees in wet forests often have features that prevent water films from covering stomata and inhibiting gas exchange, while many trees in drier environments use foliar water uptake to reduce water stress. In forests with both wet and dry seasons, evergreen trees would benefit from producing leaves capable of balancing rainy-season photosynthesis with summertime water absorption. METHODS Using samples collected from across the vertical gradient in tall redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) crowns, we estimated tree-level foliar water uptake and employed physics-based causative modeling to identify key functional traits that determine uptake potential by setting hydraulic resistance. RESULTS We showed that Sequoia has two functionally distinct shoot morphotypes. While most shoots specialize in photosynthesis, the axial shoot type is capable of much greater foliar water uptake, and its within-crown distribution varies with latitude. A suite of leaf surface traits cause hydraulic resistance, leading to variation in uptake capacity among samples. CONCLUSIONS Shoot dimorphism gives tall Sequoia trees the capacity to absorb up to 48 kg H2 O h-1 during the first hour of leaf wetting, ameliorating water stress while presumably maintaining high photosynthetic capacity year round. Geographic variation in shoot dimorphism suggests that plasticity in shoot-type distribution and leaf surface traits helps Sequoia maintain a dominate presence in both wet and dry forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana R. O. Chin
- Plant Sciences DepartmentUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Present address:
Alana R. O. Chin, D‐USYS, ETHZürich8092Switzerland
| | | | - Stephen C. Sillett
- Department of Forestry and Wildland ResourcesHumboldt State UniversityArcataCA95521USA
| | - Jessica Orozco
- Plant Sciences DepartmentUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | | | - Lucy P. Kerhoulas
- Department of Forestry and Wildland ResourcesHumboldt State UniversityArcataCA95521USA
| | - Zane J. Moore
- Plant Sciences DepartmentUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | - Marty Reed
- Department of Biological SciencesHumboldt State UniversityArcataCA95521USA
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Hill AJ, Dawson TE, Dody A, Rachmilevitch S. Dew water-uptake pathways in Negev desert plants: a study using stable isotope tracers. Oecologia 2021; 196:353-361. [PMID: 34008141 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04940-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dew is an important water resource for plants in most deserts. The mechanism that allows desert plants to use dew water was studied using an isotopic water tracer approach. Most plants use water directly from the soil; the roots transfer the water to the rest of the plant, where it is required for all metabolic functions. However, many plants can also take up water into their leaves and stems. Examining the dew water uptake pathways in desert plants can lend insight on another all water-use pathways examination. We determined where and how dew water enters plants in the water limited Negev desert. Highly depleted isotopic water was sprayed on three different dominant plant species of the Negev desert-Artemesia sieberi, Salsola inermis and Haloxylon scoparium-and its entry into the plant was followed. Water was sprayed onto the soil only, or on the leaves/stems only (with soil covered to prevent water entry via root uptake). Thereafter, the isotopic composition of water in the roots and stems were measured at various time points. The results show that each plant species used the dew water to a different extent, and we obtained evidence of foliar uptake capacity of dew water that varied depending on the microenvironmental conditions. A. sieberi took up the greatest amount of dew water through both stems and roots, S. inermis took up dew water mainly from the roots, and H. scoparium showed the least dew capture overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Hill
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus Midreshet Ben Gurion, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84990, Beersheba, Israel.
| | - Todd E Dawson
- Center for Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and the Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Avraham Dody
- Geography and Environmental Developing Department, Ben Gurion University, BeerSheba, Israel
| | - Shimon Rachmilevitch
- The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus Midreshet Ben Gurion, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84990, Beersheba, Israel
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Schreel JDM, Steppe K. Foliar Water Uptake in Trees: Negligible or Necessary? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:590-603. [PMID: 32407698 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Foliar water uptake (FWU) has been identified as a mechanism commonly used by trees and other plants originating from various biomes. However, many questions regarding the pathways and the implications of FWU remain, including its ability to mitigate climate change-driven drought. Therefore, answering these questions is of primary importance to adequately address and comprehend drought stress responses and associated growth. In this review, we discuss the occurrence, pathways, and consequences of FWU, with a focus predominantly on tree species. Subsequently, we highlight the tight coupling between FWU and foliar fertilizer applications, discuss FWU in a changing climate, and conclude with the importance of including FWU in mechanistic vegetation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen D M Schreel
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Kathy Steppe
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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10
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Kerhoulas LP, Weisgrau AS, Hoeft EC, Kerhoulas NJ. Vertical gradients in foliar physiology of tall Picea sitchensis trees. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 40:321-332. [PMID: 31976529 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpz137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In tall conifers, leaf structure can vary dramatically with height due to decreasing water potential (Ψ) and increasing light availability. This variation in leaf structure can have physiological consequences such as increased respiratory costs, reduced internal carbon dioxide conductance rates and ultimately reduced maximum photosynthetic rates (Amax). In Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière, the leaf structure varies along the vertical gradient in ways that suggest compensatory changes to enhance photosynthesis, and this variation seems to be driven largely by light availability rather than by Ψ. These trends in leaf structure coupled with remarkably fast growth rates and dependence on moist environments inspire two important questions about P. sitchensis: (i) does foliar water uptake minimize the adverse effects of decreasing Ψ with height on leaf structure, and (ii) do trends in leaf structure increase photosynthetic rates despite increasing height? To answer these questions, we measured foliar water uptake capacity, predawn (Ψpd) and midday water potential and gas-exchange rates as they varied between 25- and 89-m heights in 300-year-old P. sitchensis trees in northwestern California. Our major findings for P. sitchensis include the following: (i) foliar water uptake capacity was quite high relative to published values for other woody species; (ii) foliar water uptake capacity increased between the crown base and treetop; (iii) wet season Ψpd was higher than predicted by the gravitational potential gradient, indicating foliar water uptake; and (iv) the maximum photosynthetic rate increased with height, presumably due to shifts in leaf structure between the crown base and treetop, mitigating height-related decreases in Amax. These findings suggest that together, the use of fog, dew and rain deposits on leaves and shifts in the leaf structure to conserve and possibly enhance photosynthetic capacity likely contribute to the rapid growth rates measured in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy P Kerhoulas
- Department of Forestry and Wildland Resources, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Ariel S Weisgrau
- Department of Forestry and Wildland Resources, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Emily C Hoeft
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Nicholas J Kerhoulas
- Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
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Gong XW, Lü GH, He XM, Sarkar B, Yang XD. High Air Humidity Causes Atmospheric Water Absorption via Assimilating Branches in the Deep-Rooted Tree Haloxylon ammodendron in an Arid Desert Region of Northwest China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:573. [PMID: 31156661 PMCID: PMC6530360 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric water is one of the main water resources for plants in arid ecosystems. However, whether deep-rooted, tomentum-less desert trees can absorb atmospheric water via aerial organs and transport the water into their bodies remains poorly understood. In the present study, a woody, deep-rooted, tomentum-less plant, Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Mey.) Bunge, was selected as the experimental object to investigate the preconditions for and consequences of foliar water uptake. Plant water status, gas exchange, and 18O isotopic signatures of the plant were investigated following a typical rainfall pulse and a high-humidity exposure experiment. The results showed that a high content of atmospheric water was the prerequisite for foliar water uptake by H. ammodendron in the arid desert region. After atmospheric water was absorbed via the assimilating branches, which perform the function of leaves due to leaf degeneration, the plant transported the water to the secondary branches and trunk stems, but not to the taproot xylem or the soil, based on the 18O isotopic signatures of the specimen. Foliar water uptake altered the plant water status and gas exchange-related traits, i.e., water potential, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and instantaneous water use efficiency. Our results suggest that atmospheric water might be a subsidiary water resource for sustaining the survival and growth of deep-rooted plants in arid desert regions. These findings contribute to the knowledge of plant water physiology and restoration of desert plants in the arid regions of the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Wei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guang-Hui Lü
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Institute of Arid Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xue-Min He
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Institute of Arid Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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13
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Berry ZC, Emery NC, Gotsch SG, Goldsmith GR. Foliar water uptake: Processes, pathways, and integration into plant water budgets. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2019; 42:410-423. [PMID: 30194766 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Nearly all plant families, represented across most major biomes, absorb water directly through their leaves. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as foliar water uptake. Recent studies have suggested that foliar water uptake provides a significant water subsidy that can influence both plant water and carbon balance across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Despite this, our mechanistic understanding of when, where, how, and to what end water is absorbed through leaf surfaces remains limited. We first review the evidence for the biophysical conditions necessary for foliar water uptake to occur, focusing on the plant and atmospheric water potentials necessary to create a gradient for water flow. We then consider the different pathways for uptake, as well as the potential fates of the water once inside the leaf. Given that one fate of water from foliar uptake is to increase leaf water potentials and contribute to the demands of transpiration, we also provide a quantitative synthesis of observed rates of change in leaf water potential and total fluxes of water into the leaf. Finally, we identify critical research themes that should be addressed to effectively incorporate foliar water uptake into traditional frameworks of plant water movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Carter Berry
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Nathan C Emery
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Sybil G Gotsch
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory R Goldsmith
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
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14
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Emery NC, D'Antonio CM, Still CJ. Fog and live fuel moisture in coastal California shrublands. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C. Emery
- Michigan State University 220 Trowbridge Road East Lansing Michigan 48824 USA
| | - Carla M. D'Antonio
- University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara California 93106 USA
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15
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Inferring foliar water uptake using stable isotopes of water. Oecologia 2017; 184:763-766. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Xeromorphic traits help to maintain photosynthesis in the perhumid climate of a Taiwanese cloud forest. Oecologia 2017; 184:609-621. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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